25 Things to do in Edmonton on Canada Day with Kids

Canada Day is right around the corner. In case you’re wondering what to do in Edmonton, I’ve created this list to share a few ideas about occupying the kids and having fun at-home, checking out what’s available in the city for Canada day or even an option to get out of town and head to one of our favorite beaches in Alberta. Here’s what to do on Canada Day in Edmonton:

1. Get Free Admission to the Art Gallery of Alberta
The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last admission at 4:30 p.m. It’s free to get in, and a great time to explore some of the current exhibits. Plus, it’s a fun way to cool off and try something new.

2. Swing on a Hidden Gem in the River Valley 
Did you know that there’s a swing under the Capilano Foot Bridge in the river valley? This hidden gem is one of the kids favorites, if you plan on spending the day away from the crowds and exploring nature, have a look for this Edmonton gem.

3. Community BBQ in Boyle
There is a community BBQ is being held at the Boyle Street Plaza, You will find it at 9538 – 103A Avenue, and it starts at noon. Find hot dogs, entertainment and face painting.

4. Cool off at the Muttart
Between 10 and 2, there is live music, art and crafts and free face painting with regular admission at the Muttart. If you would prefer not to spend the day outside, it’s an easy way to cool off.

5. Check out one of the Top 10 Spray Parks 
Are you looking for a way to cool off? Pack a picnic for some free family fun and check out this list of the top 10 Spray Parks in Edmonton – or make a day of it and check out a few of them.

6. Fun + Food Trucks at the Legislature
Head downtown and check out more than 30 food trucks that are going to be downtown for the Canada Day Festivities at the Legislature. Festivities start at 10 am, and go until 7 pm.

7. See a Parade in Sherwood Park 
At 10am, there’s the Chamber of Commerce Parade in Sherwood Park. You can follow the day up with activities like animal encounters, the unveiling of the new playground and splash pad, indoor fun, face painting and more at the event – but be warned, it’s busy!

8. Rocket Launches at Telus World of Science
Maybe the coolest way to spend Canada Day, you can take part in rocket launches and dinosaur activities all day long at Telus World of Science. Regular admission applies.

9. Get Free Entry to Elk Island Park
There’s free admission to Elk Island Park on Canada Day, making it the perfect time to explore. Explore, bounce in bouncy castles and see the Command Sisters perform in this entertaining day of fun.

10. Skip the Crowds and Head Out of Town 
That’s what we’re doing. We’re undecided of what we’re going to do for the day, or overnight the night before, but the best bet so far is Devonshire Beach, since it’s the best day trip length at just over a couple of hours each way.

11. Host a late-night Glow Party
There are so many activities that you can do with glow sticks, and when it comes to Canada Day, you’re going to need those activities. Keeping the kids entertained (and awake) before the Fireworks start is easy when you’re doing fun things like Hide in the Seek with glow sticks, tag, or even bowling or ring toss. Easy fun for a couple of dollars.

12. Climb up Higher + Slide Down Further – New Playground 
Canada Day brings the opening of the Broadmoor Lake Playground in Sherwood Park. You can check out the activities the festival all day long, and check out the brand new playground. New this year, there’s a spray park so you can cool off while you’re there.

13. Farewell Shakespeare Festival
The Heritage Amphitheatre is home to a performance of ‘As You Like It’ where you’ll find a performance, cake and even activities for the kids. Adult tickets are $20-30, but children under ten are free. Activities start at 5pm and concession and bar will both be open.

14. Get with the Band in Borden Park 
At the Borden Park Band Shell, come and enjoy one of the best parks in the city, play your heart out, walk around and look at the sculptures and listen to the Cosmo Summer Band. The free concert starts at 4 pm.

15. Fireworks from the Baseball Field 
There’s a baseball game going on, on Canada Day. After the 8th inning, you can get admission to the field for only $4. What a fun (and easy) way to watch those Fireworks light up the sky in Edmonton (and catch some baseball). Concession will be available until 10:30 in the evening.

16. Watermelon Eating Contest in Devon
Why do I feel like my kid could dominate at this contest? That’s not all that’s going on in Devon for Canada Day. There’s free hot dogs and cake, pinkberry will be selling frozen yogurt and catch a Transflowmation circus performance.

17. Spend it at the Zoo
Find red and white cupcakes, and special programming this Canada Day. Festivities are being held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to celebrate the Zoo’s birthday in addition to Canada Day. Regular admission rates apply.

18. Cool off at Fred Broadstock Pool 
Fred Broadstock pool is one of our favorite in the city. There’s lots of space for the kids to play, the kids area is great and there are always a ton of other kids there to play with. Pools open at 11 am and it’s $7 for adult admission, and $4.50 for kids.

19. Wading + the Works
The Works Art and Design festival is taking place downtown, meaning that you can take part in the celebrations at Sir Winston Churchill Square and wade in city hall fountain. The Works festival always has fun things to look at, and the area will have a variety of fun things for kids to do downtown.

20. The Night Market in Chinatown
Are you looking for something to do in the evening? During the day, we usually head to the beach and wait for the fireworks, but this year we’re thinking about trying something new. We’re going to the Night Market in Chinatown. There are performances, food trucks and a craft sale.

21. Run Through the Newest Edmonton Fountain 
The brand new fountains are slated to open on Canada Day. The new fountains look like a lot of fun to run through, and are located at the Legislature grounds, making it easy to take in the activities in the area and cool off when you’re finished.

22. Family Fun and Fireworks at Mill Woods Park 
Free family activities in Mill Woods start at 1 p.m. like petting zoo, carnival games, a bouncy obstacle course and more. You can finish the day off with a bang by catching the dazzling fireworks display at 11 p.m.

23. Host a S’more Buffet
Marshmallows and graham crackers are the basic, but what if you mixed it up a little? Different types of chocolate, candy and a party at a friend’s house who has a view of the fireworks makes for a great way to spend the evening after you’ve checked out the Canada day events in Edmonton.

24. Catch a Light Show on the Bridge
Right before the Fireworks, you are going to be able to see a great light show taking place on the High Level Bridge. Show starts at 11 pm, and you can catch great views from Telus Park.

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